Isn't There Another Way?

August 21, 2014

***Reposting this today in hopes that it will encourage those of you walking through some hard in your adoption process.***

Last night my mind was running through all of the paperwork for adoption grants yet to be applied to, then to all of the paperwork yet to be filled out when we apply to agencies, then to all the paperwork that I don't even know about that will likely happen after being matched with a birthmom.  As I was mentally picturing all of these papers yet to be filled out and all of the papers that we've already done, well...I felt tired.  Then I thought, "Isn't there an easier way?"

God instantly brought to mind Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, staring into the cup of God's wrath that awaited Him as He looked ahead to the cross.  And He pleaded, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”  (Matthew 26:39)  But He knew there wasn't another way.  Our sin completely separated us from God.  It was either Jesus endure incredible suffering and agony being hung on the cross, taking on God's full punishment for sin or God's children could not be a part of His family forever.  There was no other way.

I'm not trying to compare adoption paper work to the crucifixion of Jesus, believe me.  But, I think the Lord wanted to show me two things through remembering this.  First, no amount of suffering I go through compares to the suffering that Jesus went through for me.  He was still completely human while He was completely God.  So He completely felt every bit of that excruciating pain and suffering.  It wasn't lessened because He was sovereign and knew what was coming next.  And that pain?  Being utterly separated from His father and having every sinful thought, action, and word heaped on Himself, bearing the guilt and full weight of that sin even though He had never done anything wrong, and taking the punishment for it all...that is a pain unimaginable.

My weariness at all this paperwork?  It is real and it is hard but it does not compare to all that Christ went through for me.  I will never know what it's like to have every single sin of every single person put on me.  I will never know what it's like to then experience God's wrath and condemnation against all of that evil that I never actually did.  I will never know it because Jesus suffered in my place.

Secondly, adoption is not easy.  It wasn't easy for God to adopt His children into His family.  It wasn't easy for Him to send His Son to the cross.  It wasn't easy and pain free for Jesus to be crucified.  God's adoption of His children came at a great cost to Himself. Is it any wonder that there would be some hard things for us as we're in the process of adopting? 

So when I picture the paperwork that awaits me, I want to be amazed at what Jesus has done to make me God's child.  I want to stand in awe as I remember that there was no other way.  And I want to thank God that Jesus didn't give up in the midst of the hard but said, "Not my will, but Yours be done." 
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For information about how I can help you in your adoption journey, please contact me at katief@christianadoptionconsultants.com.

Congratulations, Eddie and Anna.

August 20, 2014

I will never forget the first conversation I had with sweet Anna. She was on her way back from a full (and probably tiring!) school field-trip that she had chaperoned, but Anna was anything but tired. This girl was bursting with excitement about getting started with their adoption journey and she was so much fun to talk to! That same incredible enthusiasm, passion, and hope in God radiated from Anna throughout their adoption process.

Knowing that adoption had already been in their hearts for quite a while, I so hoped that Eddie and Anna would not have to wait long to have their child in their arms. I remember emailing Anna saying something like, "Not every adoption happens quickly, but I'm going to pray that God would bless you guys with a fast process!" Meanwhile, Anna was also praying that the Lord would send them a summer baby. And that's exactly what He did. His timing was perfect.

Eddie and Anna, you guys are amazing and I have loved watching God at work in and through you during this adoption. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!
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For more information about adoption, please contact me at katief@christianadoptionconsultants.com. I'd love to help you on your adoption journey!

Congratulations, John and Meghan!

One of my favorite parts of working with couples in the adoption process is creating their family profile.  I love the glimpse it gives me into their lives and it's also a lot of fun! 
While I was still working on John and Meghan's profile they heard about a baby that needed a family. My husband, Josh, and I had the privilege of Skyping with John and Meghan and praying for them as they processed the whirlwind. It was such a sweet time that I will always treasure.

This couple has an unmistakable love and commitment for one another that has been so beautiful for me to see! They walked through every part of this faith-stretching adoption together as a team. From the moment they heard about this possible situation all the way until their son was in their arms, they leaned on one another and on their faithful God. 


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For more information about how we can help you in your adoption journey, please contact me at katief@christianadoptionconsultants.com!